Leak detection agent dispensing device, refrigeration system equipped with leak detection agent dispensing device, leak detection agent sealing method, and air conditioning system

Abstract

This leakage detection agent injection device is used by being connected to a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates, and injects a leakage detection agent into the refrigerant circuit. The leakage detection agent injection device comprises: a container in which the leakage detection agent is stored; a connection pipe that connects the container to the refrigerant circuit; and a valve device that is provided at a connection portion between the container and the connection pipe. The valve device comprises: a container connection part to which the container is connected; a pipe connection part to which the connection pipe is connected; and a filling connection part to which a tank storing the leakage detection agent is connected. The valve device is provided with: a body part in which a first flow path that communicates the container connection part with the filling connection part, and a second flow path that branches from the middle of the first flow path and communicates with the pipe connection part are formed; and a valve body that is movably provided in the body part and is capable of switching between a closed position in which the flow of the leakage detection agent in the second flow path is blocked, and an open position in which the flow of the leakage detection agent in the second flow path is allowed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a leak detection agent charging device for charging a refrigerant circuit with a leak detection agent for detecting refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant circuit, a refrigeration apparatus including the leak detection agent charging device, a method for charging the leak detection agent, and an air conditioner. [Background Art]

[0002] As this type of refrigeration apparatus, there is, for example, Patent Document 1. The refrigeration apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a leak detection agent charging device that stores a leak detection agent, and has a configuration in which the leak detection agent charging device is connected to a refrigerant pipe of a refrigerant circuit. The leak detection agent charging device includes a container that stores the leak detection agent, a connection pipe having one end connected to the container and the other end connected to the refrigerant pipe of the refrigerant circuit, and a control valve provided on the connection pipe. The leak detection agent charging device is configured such that, by opening the control valve, the leak detection agent in the container is charged into the refrigerant circuit via the connection pipe. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 225263 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] The refrigeration apparatus described in Patent Document 1 relates to a technology for charging a leak detection agent from a container to a refrigerant circuit in a leak detection agent charging device, and does not disclose a structure for filling the leak detection agent into the container in the leak detection agent charging device.

[0005] In addition, the leak detection agent charging device is not limited to only a use mode in which the leak detection agent is charged from the container into the refrigerant circuit, and there is a demand for a use mode in which the leak detection agent is directly charged into the refrigerant circuit without going through the container.

[0006] This disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and relates to a leak detection agent dispensing device capable of both filling a container with a leak detection agent and directly dispensing the leak detection agent into a refrigerant circuit without going through a container, a refrigeration system equipped with a leak detection agent dispensing device, a method for dispensing a leak detection agent, and an air conditioning system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The leak detection agent dispenser according to this disclosure is used in connection with a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates, and dispenses a leak detection agent into the refrigerant circuit. The dispenser comprises a container for storing the leak detection agent, a connecting pipe for connecting the container to the refrigerant circuit, and a valve device provided at the connection point between the container and the connecting pipe. The valve device has a container connection section to which the container is connected, a pipe connection section to which the connecting pipe is connected, and a filling connection section to which a tank storing the leak detection agent is connected. The valve device has a main body with a first flow path connecting the container connection section and the filling connection section, and a second flow path branching off from the first flow path and communicating with the pipe connection section. The valve device is movably provided in the main body and has a closed position for blocking the flow of the leak detection agent in the second flow path and an open position for allowing the flow of the leak detection agent in the second flow path. The position It is equipped with a switchable valve body.

[0008] The refrigeration system equipped with a leak detection agent dispenser according to this disclosure comprises the above-mentioned leak detection agent dispenser, a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing device, and an evaporator, all connected by refrigerant piping in a refrigerant circuit.

[0009] The leak detection agent sealing method relating to this disclosure is a leak detection agent sealing method for the above-mentioned refrigeration apparatus, wherein the valve body of the valve device is positioned in the open position to open the second flow path, thereby sealing the leak detection agent into the refrigerant circuit from the leak detection agent injection device via the second flow path.

[0010] The air conditioning system according to this disclosure is equipped with the above-mentioned refrigeration system, wherein at least one of the condenser and the evaporator is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the air. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The leak detection agent dispensing device according to this disclosure has a valve device at the connection point between a container that stores the leak detection agent and a connecting pipe that connects the container to a refrigerant circuit. The valve device has a main body that has a container connection part to which the container is connected, a pipe connection part to which the connecting pipe is connected, and a filling connection part to which a tank storing the leak detection agent is connected. The main body has a first flow path that connects the container connection part and the filling connection part, and a second flow path that branches off from the first flow path and communicates with the pipe connection part. The main body is provided with a valve body that can move freely, and which can be switched between a closed position that blocks the flow of the leak detection agent in the second flow path and an open position that allows the flow of the leak detection agent in the second flow path. When filling the container with leak detection agent from the tank, the valve body is in the closed position, so that the leak detection agent can be filled from the tank to the container via the first flow path. Furthermore, the leak detection agent dispenser is designed so that when the leak detection agent is dispensed directly from the tank into the refrigerant circuit without going through a container, the valve is in the open position, allowing the leak detection agent to be dispensed from the tank into the refrigerant circuit via the first and second flow paths. In other words, the leak detection agent dispenser is capable of both filling a container with leak detection agent and directly dispensing the leak detection agent into the refrigerant circuit without going through a container. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a refrigerant circuit diagram for the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1, where the air conditioning system is a remote-type condensing unit. [Figure 3] This is an external view of the leak detection agent dispensing device for an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram of the valve device of the leak detection agent dispensing device for an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows the equivalent circuit of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram of the operation of filling the container of the leak detection agent dispenser according to Embodiment 1 with leak detection agent. [Figure 7]It is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the leak detecting agent injection device that performs the operation of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram of the operation of injecting a leak detecting agent from the leak detecting agent injection device according to Embodiment 1 into a refrigerant pipe. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the leak detecting agent injection device that performs the operation of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram of a usage mode as an auxiliary jig of the leak detecting agent injection device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the leak detecting agent injection device in the usage mode of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of a state where the leak detecting agent injection device according to Embodiment 2 is connected to a refrigerant pipe. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of a state where the leak detecting agent injection device according to Embodiment 3 is connected to a refrigerant pipe. [Figure 14] It is a schematic diagram of the leak detecting agent injection device according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of a state where the leak detecting agent injection device of FIG. 14 is connected to a refrigerant pipe. [Figure 16] It is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 17] It is a schematic diagram of the leak detecting agent injection device according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the operation of injecting the leak detecting agent into the refrigerant circuit from the leak detecting agent injection device of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] It is a front view showing a leak detecting agent injection device according to a modified example of each embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view showing a leak detecting agent injection device according to a modified example of each embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a front view showing a modified example of a container of the leak detecting agent injection device according to a modified example of each embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The leak detection agent dispensing device and refrigeration device, etc., according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the description will be based on the example of an air conditioning device that cools a room as the refrigeration device. In the following figures, parts with the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent and are common to the entire text of the embodiment described below. Furthermore, the forms of the components shown in the entire specification are merely examples and are not limited to the forms described in the specification.

[0014] Embodiment 1. [Configuration of the air conditioning system 100] Figure 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The air conditioning system 100 comprises an outdoor unit 200 and an indoor unit 300, which are connected by liquid extension piping 11 and gas extension piping 12. The outdoor unit 200 comprises a compressor 1, an oil separator 2, a condenser 3, a liquid receiver 4, a subcooling heat exchanger 5, a dryer 6, and an accumulator 9. The indoor unit 300 comprises a pressure reducing device 7, which is composed of an expansion valve or capillary tube, etc., and an evaporator 8. The compressor 1, oil separator 2, condenser 3, liquid receiver 4, subcooling heat exchanger 5, dryer 6, pressure reducing device 7, evaporator 8, and accumulator 9 are connected in this order by refrigerant piping 10, including liquid extension piping 11 and gas extension piping 12, forming a refrigerant circuit A through which the refrigerant circulates.

[0015] Compressor 1 draws in refrigerant and compresses it to a high temperature and high pressure state. Oil separator 2 separates the oil contained in the refrigerant discharged from compressor 1. Condenser 3 is a heat exchanger that cools and condenses the refrigerant discharged from compressor 1. Refrigerator 4 is a container that stores excess refrigerant that has liquefied in refrigerant circuit A. Subcooling heat exchanger 5 has a high-pressure side flow path through which high-pressure refrigerant flows and a low-pressure side flow path through which low-pressure refrigerant flows, and performs heat exchange between the high-pressure refrigerant and the low-pressure refrigerant. Dryer 6 removes foreign matter contained in the refrigerant. Foreign matter includes impurities or water. Accumulator 9 stores excess refrigerant. Evaporator 8 is a heat exchanger that heats and evaporates the refrigerant that has flowed out from the pressure reducing device 7.

[0016] The refrigerant circuit A further includes an injection pipe 5b that branches off from between the subcooled heat exchanger 5 and the dryer 6 and is connected to the suction side of the compressor 1 via a pressure reducing device 5a, which is composed of, for example, an expansion valve, and the low-pressure side flow path of the subcooled heat exchanger 5.

[0017] The refrigerant circulating in refrigerant circuit A may be, for example, a single refrigerant such as R22 or R134a, a pseudo-azeotropic mixed refrigerant such as R410A or R404A, or a non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant such as R407C. The refrigerant circulating in refrigerant circuit A may also be a refrigerant or mixture thereof that contains a double bond in its chemical formula and has a relatively small global warming potential. Examples of refrigerants containing a double bond in their chemical formula include CF3 and CF=CH2. In addition, the refrigerant circulating in refrigerant circuit A may also be a natural refrigerant such as CO2 or propane.

[0018] The refrigerant piping 10 of refrigerant circuit A is provided with multiple ports. These multiple ports include an intake port 13, a discharge port 14, and a connection port 15.

[0019] The intake port 13 and discharge port 14 are ports to which a vacuum pump is connected during vacuuming when installing the air conditioning system 100, or to which a refrigerant cylinder is connected when refrigerant is sealed into the refrigerant circuit A. The intake port 13 and discharge port 14 are also commonly called service ports.

[0020] The connection port 15 is a port to which the leak detection agent dispenser 20 is detachably connected. The configuration of the leak detection agent dispenser 20 will be explained separately. In the illustrated example, the connection port 15 is shown to be located between the receiver 4 and the subcooling heat exchanger 5, but the connection port 15 may be located between the condenser 3 and the evaporator 8. Note that the leak detection agent dispenser 20 is not limited to being detachably connected to the refrigerant circuit A at the connection port 15; it may also be fixed to the refrigerant circuit A by brazing or the like. In the following explanation, we will assume that the leak detection agent dispenser 20 is detachably connected to the refrigerant circuit A.

[0021] Next, we will explain the flow of refrigerant in refrigerant circuit A. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from compressor 1 flows into condenser 3 after the oil contained in the refrigerant is separated in oil separator 2. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant that flows into condenser 3 condenses by exchanging heat with the outside air in condenser 3 and becomes high-pressure liquid refrigerant or two-phase refrigerant which is stored in receiver 4. The refrigerant that flows out of receiver 4 flows into the high-pressure side flow path of subcooling heat exchanger 5 and becomes supercooled high-pressure liquid refrigerant by exchanging heat with the refrigerant passing through the low-pressure side flow path of subcooling heat exchanger 5.

[0022] The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the subcooled heat exchanger 5 flows into the dryer 6, where foreign matter is removed. Foreign matter includes impurities and moisture. The liquid refrigerant flowing out of the dryer 6 is depressurized by the pressure reducing device 7 of the indoor unit 300 to become a low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant, which then flows into the evaporator 8. The refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 8 evaporates by exchanging heat with the indoor air. At this time, the indoor air is cooled by the refrigerant, cooling the room. The refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator 8 becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant and returns to the compressor 1 via the accumulator 9.

[0023] A portion of the refrigerant that flows out from the high-pressure side of the subcooled heat exchanger 5 flows into the injection pipe 5b. The refrigerant that flows into the injection pipe 5b is depressurized by the depressurizing device 5a and flows into the low-pressure side flow path of the subcooled heat exchanger 5. After heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing in the high-pressure side flow path of the subcooled heat exchanger 5, it is injected into the compressor 1.

[0024] Note that the configuration of refrigerant circuit A is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 1. For example, refrigerant circuit A may have a four-way valve or the like to switch the refrigerant flow path, and may be configured to switch between cooling and heating operation. Alternatively, refrigerant circuit A may be configured for heating only. If refrigerant circuit A is configured for heating only, the heat exchanger installed in the outdoor unit 200 functions as an evaporator, and the heat exchanger installed in the indoor unit 300 functions as a condenser. In other words, refrigerant circuit A only needs to have a configuration that includes at least a compressor 1, a condenser 3, a pressure reducing device 7, and an evaporator 8.

[0025] The air conditioning system 100 is not limited to the air-cooled air conditioning system described above, but may also be a water-cooled air conditioning system. Therefore, the air conditioning system 100 only needs to have at least one of the condenser 3 and the evaporator 8 be a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the air.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the air conditioning system 100 is configured such that one indoor unit 300 is connected to one outdoor unit 200. However, it is not limited to this configuration, and any number of indoor units 300 may be connected to one outdoor unit 200.

[0027] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 100 can also be a remote condensing unit as shown in Figure 2.

[0028] Figure 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram for the air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 1 when it is a remote condensing unit. The remote condensing unit has a configuration in which, of the components provided in the outdoor unit 200 in Figure 1, all components except the condenser 3 are installed in the compression unit 201 located indoors, and the condenser 3 is installed in the outdoor unit 200A. When the remote condensing unit is installed on-site, the outdoor unit 200A and the locally procured indoor unit 300 may be connected by refrigerant piping 10 to form the refrigerant circuit A.

[0029] For example, the air conditioning system 100 can also be an air conditioning system in which each component of the refrigerant circuit A and other auxiliary equipment are located within a single unit, such as a cooling unit, and these are connected by refrigerant piping 10.

[0030] A leak detection agent dispenser 20 is detachably connected to the air conditioning system 100 with the above configuration, and the leak detection agent is sealed into the refrigerant circuit A from the leak detection agent dispenser 20. The air conditioning system 100 drives the compressor 1, which is the driving source for refrigerant circulation, to circulate the leak detection agent together with the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit A, and can detect refrigerant leaks by identifying the part where the leak detection agent has leaked out. The leak detection agent dispenser 20 is removed from the refrigerant circuit A after the supply of the leak detection agent to the refrigerant circuit A is complete.

[0031] The number of leak detection agent dispensers 20 installed may be one or multiple, as shown in Figure 1. If only one leak detection agent dispenser 20 is installed, it is desirable to install it in the outdoor unit 200. This is because the outdoor unit 200 has a higher probability of refrigerant leakage due to vibration of the compressor 1 or vibration due to external forces compared to the indoor unit 300. Furthermore, if the leak detection agent dispenser 20 is installed outdoors, even if refrigerant leaks from the connection between the leak detection agent dispenser 20 and the refrigerant circuit A, it is desirable from a safety standpoint for the following reasons: If the leak detection agent dispenser 20 is installed outdoors, even if the refrigerant is flammable, it is possible to avoid the formation of a flammable area inside the room.

[0032] Leak detection agents can include, for example, fluorescent agents, colorants, odorants, or air-bubble-forming agents. Examples of fluorescent agents include Super Tracer OL-200II or Super Glow. Examples of odorants include tert-butyl mercaptan. Examples of air-bubble-forming agents include Super Bubble TR-1C or Big Blue. Leak detection agents may be in liquid or powder form.

[0033] Next, the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 will be described.

[0034] Figure 3 is an external view of the leak detection agent dispenser 20 of the air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 1. In Figure 3, the leak detection agent dispenser 20 is shown in its orientation for use, that is, in the orientation in which the leak detection agent dispenser 20 is connected to the connection port 15. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the valve device 50 of the leak detection agent dispenser 20 of the air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the equivalent circuit of the leak detection agent dispenser 20 according to Embodiment 1. In Figure 5 and the equivalent circuit diagram described later, the white outline of the valve body 57 indicates the open state, and the dot indicates the closed state. In addition, the terms up, down, right, and left used in the following description refer to the direction when viewing the leak detection agent dispenser 20 in the orientation for use shown in Figure 3. These terms relating to direction are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the present disclosure.

[0035] The leak detection agent dispensing device 20 comprises a container 30 in which the leak detection agent is stored, a connecting part 40 for connecting the container 30 to the connecting port 15, and a valve device 50 provided at the connection portion between the container 30 and the connecting part 40.

[0036] The container 30 has a cylindrical portion 31. The cylindrical portion 31 is made of a copper pipe with one end open. Note that the cylindrical portion 31 is not limited to copper, but may be made of resin or other materials. The cylindrical portion 31 is formed in an L-shape, having a first portion 31a that extends vertically in the position when in use, and a second portion 31b that extends horizontally from the lower end of the first portion 31a. The end of the second portion 31b opposite to the first portion 31a is open, and this end is connected to the container connection portion 52 of the valve device 50, which will be described later.

[0037] The cylindrical portion 31 has its first part 31a positioned above the container connection portion 52. Because the first part 31a is positioned above the container connection portion 52, and the lower end of the first part 31a is also positioned above the container connection portion 52, the container 30 can cause the leak detection agent filled inside the container 30 to flow out of the container 30 by its own weight and be directed towards the container connection portion 52. Note that the shape of the container 30 is just an example and is not limited to an L-shape.

[0038] The connection section 40 is the part that connects the leak detection agent dispenser 20 to the connection port 15 of the refrigerant circuit A. The connection section 40 has a straight connecting pipe 41 that extends vertically and a nut 42 provided at the lower end 40a of the connecting pipe 41. The upper end 40b of the connecting pipe 41 is connected to the piping connection section 53 of the valve device 50, which will be described later. The connecting pipe 41 has a projection 40aa inside the lower end 40a that presses against a pin (not shown) provided inside the connection port 15. The connection section 40 is configured such that the projection 40aa provided at the lower end 40a of the connecting pipe 41 presses against the pin provided inside the connection port 15, opening the connection port 15 and enabling communication with the refrigerant circuit A.

[0039] The valve device 50 comprises a main body 51 and a valve body 57. The main body 51 has a container connection part 52 to which the container 30 is connected, a pipe connection part 53 to which the connecting pipe 41 is connected, and a filling connection part 54 to which a tank 60 (see Figure 6 below) filled with leak detection agent is connected. Inside the main body 51, a first flow path 55 and a second flow path 56 extending intersecting the first flow path 55 are formed. The first flow path 55 is composed of a hole that penetrates the main body 51 in the left-right direction, extends from the container connection part 52 to the filling connection part 54, and is a flow path that connects the container connection part 52 and the filling connection part 54. The second flow path 56 is a flow path that branches off from the middle of the first flow path 55, extends from the middle of the first flow path 55 toward the pipe connection part 53, and is a flow path that connects the first flow path 55 and the pipe connection part 53.

[0040] The cylindrical portion 31 of the container 30 is connected to the container connection portion 52, and the inside of the cylindrical portion 31 is in communication with the first flow path 55. The upper end portion 40b of the connecting pipe 41 is connected to the piping connection portion 53, and the inside of the connecting pipe 41 is in communication with the second flow path 56. The filling connection portion 54 has a filling port 54a and an operating valve 54b. A tank 60 filled with leak detection agent is detachably attached to the filling port 54a. Note that the tank 60 is not limited to being detachably attached to the filling port 54a, but may be attached to the filling port 54a by brazing or the like. The operating valve 54b is a valve that switches the communication between the tank 60 connected to the filling port 54a and the first flow path 55 and the disconnection of communication. The operating valve 54b is composed of a manual valve or a check joint.

[0041] The valve body 57 is mounted on the main body 51 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. Although not shown in detail, the outer circumferential surface 57a of the valve body 57 and the inner circumferential surface (not shown) of the main body 51 facing the outer circumferential surface 57a are screwed together, and the valve body 57 can be moved in the vertical direction by rotating it.

[0042] The valve body 57 is provided with a communication hole 57b that penetrates in the left-right direction. By moving up and down, the valve body 57 switches between an open position that allows the flow of the leak detection agent in the second flow path 56 and a closed position that blocks the flow of the leak detection agent in the second flow path 56. Figure 4 shows the valve body 57 in the open position.

[0043] When the valve body 57 is in the open position, it allows the flow of the leak detection agent in the second passage 56 and also allows the flow of the leak detection agent in the first passage 55. In other words, when the valve body 57 is in the open position, it opens both the second passage 56 and the first passage 55.

[0044] When the valve body 57 is in the closed position (see Figure 6 below), the communication hole 57b forms part of the first flow path 55, connecting the container connection part 52 and the filling connection part 54, and allowing the flow of the leak detection agent in the first flow path 55. In other words, when the valve body 57 is in the closed position, it blocks the flow of the leak detection agent in the second flow path 56 while allowing the flow of the leak detection agent in the first flow path 55. To put it another way, when the valve body 57 is in the closed position, it closes the second flow path 56 while opening the first flow path 55.

[0045] The configuration of the valve body 57 in the valve device 50 is not limited to the above. The valve body 57 only needs to be switchable between a closed position that blocks the flow of the leak detection agent in the second flow path 56 and an open position that allows the flow of the leak detection agent in the second flow path 56. Therefore, the valve body 57 may be configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction (up and down direction) of the second flow path 56 (left and right direction), thereby opening and closing the second flow path 56.

[0046] The valve device 50 may be a manual valve or a solenoid valve. If the valve device 50 is composed of a solenoid valve, the valve device 50 will be closed when a refrigerant leak is detected, for example, when the refrigerant pressure or temperature of refrigerant circuit A is determined to be an abnormal value, and the flow of the leak detection agent into the refrigerant piping 10 via the second flow path 56 will be prevented, as described below. Also, if the refrigerant pressure or temperature of refrigerant circuit A is determined to be a normal value, for example, the valve device 50 will be opened, and the flow of the leak detection agent into the refrigerant piping 10 via the second flow path 56 will be allowed, as described below.

[0047] The control of opening and closing the valve device 50, that is, the control of supplying the leak detection agent to the refrigerant piping 10, is not particularly limited, and conventionally known control methods, such as those disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-523330, can be employed. Specifically, for example, the leak detection agent supply device 20 may be controlled to continuously supply the leak detection agent to the refrigerant circuit A for several minutes, or it may be controlled to intermittently supply the leak detection agent to the refrigerant circuit A at preset time intervals.

[0048] [Connection to the connection port 15 of the leak detection agent dispenser 20] The leak detection agent dispenser 20 is connected to the refrigerant piping 10 in the position shown in Figure 3. The leak detection agent dispenser 20 is connected to the refrigerant piping 10 such that the container 30 is positioned above the connection port 15, which is the connection point between the connecting pipe 41 of the leak detection agent dispenser 20 and the refrigerant piping 10. Because the container 30 is positioned above the container connection part 52, the leak detection agent dispenser 20 can cause the leak detection agent filled in the container 30 to flow out of the container 30 by gravity and head towards the container connection part 52.

[0049] When connecting the leak detection agent dispenser 20 to the connection port 15, the lower end 40a of the connecting pipe 41 is pushed into the connection port 15, as shown by the arrow in Figure 3. This causes the protruding portion 40aa of the connecting pipe 41 to press against the pin inside the connection port 15, and the inside of the connecting pipe 41 communicates with the inside of the refrigerant pipe 10. Then the nut 42 is tightened. This causes the threaded groove on the inner surface of the nut 42 to screw into the threaded groove on the outer surface of the connection port 15, connecting the lower end 40a of the connecting pipe 41 to the connection port 15, and completing the connection of the leak detection agent dispenser 20 to the connection port 15.

[0050] [Filling the leak detection agent 70 into the leak detection agent dispensing device 20] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of filling the container 30 with leak detection agent 70 in the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the equivalent circuit of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 that performs the operation shown in Figure 6.

[0051] When filling the container 30 with leak detection agent 70, the leak detection agent dispensing device 20, as shown in Figure 6, has a valve body 57 in the closed position, closing the second passage 56 while opening the first passage 55. Then, the tank 60 filled with leak detection agent 70 is connected to the filling port 54a of the filling connection 54, and the operating valve 54b of the filling connection 54 is opened. As a result, the leak detection agent 70 is filled from the tank 60 into the container 30 via the first passage 55. At this time, since the second passage 56 is blocked by the valve body 57, the leak detection agent 70 in the tank 60 does not flow into the connecting pipe 41, and the leak detection agent 70 is filled into the container 30. Note that by using a tank 60 that is filled with leak detection agent 70 under pressure, the leak detection agent 70 can be dispensed into the container 30 by the internal pressure of the tank 60. In addition, the tank 60 may be one in which the leak detection agent 70 flows out of the tank 60 by its own weight.

[0052] As described above, the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 can fill the container 30 with the leak detection agent 70 from the tank 60 via the first flow path 55.

[0053] [Injection of leak detection agent 70 from leak detection agent dispenser 20 into refrigerant piping 10: by weight] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of supplying the leak detection agent 70 from the leak detection agent supply device 20 to the refrigerant piping 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the equivalent circuit of the leak detection agent supply device 20 that performs the operation shown in Figure 8.

[0054] When the leak detection agent 70 is introduced from the leak detection agent dispenser 20 to the refrigerant circuit A, the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 is in the open position, opening the second flow path 56. As a result, the leak detection agent 70 in the container 30 is introduced into the refrigerant piping 10 by its own gravity via the first flow path 55, the second flow path 56, and the connecting pipe 41. There is a difference in specific gravity between the leak detection agent 70 and the refrigerant, and the leak detection agent 70 is heavier than the refrigerant. Furthermore, since the first part 31a, which is part of the container 30, is located above the container connection part 52, the leak detection agent 70 flows into the refrigerant piping 10 by its own gravity. Note that the operating valve 54b is closed, and as shown in Figure 8, the leak detection agent 70 that has flowed from the container 30 into the first flow path 55 does not leak to the outside through the filling port 54a.

[0055] Refrigerant flows through the refrigerant piping 10, and oil is mixed with the refrigerant to maintain lubrication of the sliding parts inside the compressor 1. Therefore, the leak detection agent 70 introduced into the refrigerant piping 10 mixes with the oil-mixed refrigerant and circulates together with the refrigerant within the refrigerant circuit A.

[0056] The leak detection agent dispensing device 20 can be used not only to dispense the leak detection agent 70 from the container 30 into the refrigerant circuit A, but also to dispense the leak detection agent 70 directly into the refrigerant circuit A without going through the container 30. In other words, the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 also functions as an auxiliary jig for dispensing the leak detection agent 70 directly from the tank 60 into the refrigerant circuit A. The operation of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 when it functions as an auxiliary jig will be described below.

[0057] [Usage configuration as an auxiliary jig for the leak detection agent dispensing device 20] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the usage configuration of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 according to Embodiment 1 as an auxiliary jig. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the equivalent circuit of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 in the usage configuration of Figure 10. When the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 is used as an auxiliary jig, the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 is in the open position, opening the second flow path 56. Then, the tank 60 filled with the leak detection agent 70 is connected to the filling port 54a of the filling connection part 54, so that the leak detection agent 70 is dispensed from the tank 60 into the refrigerant piping 10 via the first flow path 55, the second flow path 56 and the connecting pipe 41. Note that by using a tank 60 that is filled with the leak detection agent 70 under pressure, the leak detection agent 70 can be dispensed into the refrigerant piping 10 by the internal pressure of the tank 60. Alternatively, the tank 60 may be one in which the leak detection agent 70 flows out of the tank 60 by its own gravity.

[0058] As described above, the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 also functions as an auxiliary jig for directly dispensing the leak detection agent 70 from the tank 60 into the refrigerant piping 10.

[0059] In the air conditioning system 100, leak detection agent 70 may be added to the refrigerant piping 10 after it has been introduced from the container 30 or tank 60 of the leak detection agent dispenser 20. In the leak detection agent dispenser 20, the valve body 57 is in the open position when the leak detection agent 70 is filled into the refrigerant circuit A from the container 30 or tank 60. Therefore, the valve body 57 remains in the open position when additional leak detection agent 70 is added. Thus, in the air conditioning system 100, valve operation is unnecessary when adding additional leak detection agent 70, making the additional addition process easy.

[0060] [Identifying the location of the refrigerant leak] As described above, once the leak detection agent 70 is introduced into the refrigerant piping 10 from the leak detection agent dispenser 20, the leak detection agent 70 spreads throughout the entire refrigerant circuit A by the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant piping 10. The leak detection agent 70 spreads throughout the entire refrigerant circuit A in, for example, about 10 to 60 seconds, and leaks out from the refrigerant leak location. The time required for the leak detection agent 70 to spread throughout the entire refrigerant circuit A varies depending on the horsepower of the air conditioning system 100 and the length of the piping.

[0061] The leak detection agent 70 is a fluorescent agent that emits light when exposed to ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet lamp. Therefore, inspectors can easily identify the location of a refrigerant leak by shining ultraviolet light from the lamp onto the suspected leak area.

[0062] Furthermore, the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 can isolate the container 30 from the refrigerant circuit A by positioning the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 in the closed position, allowing the leak detection agent 70 to be added to the container 30 while the system is running during maintenance and inspection.

[0063] Then, as described above, the inspector uses an ultraviolet lamp to identify the location of the refrigerant leak. After identifying the refrigerant leak location, the operation of the air conditioning unit 100 is stopped and the leak is repaired.

[0064] Furthermore, if a coloring agent is used in the leak detection agent 70, the colored area can be identified as the refrigerant leak location. Also, if an odor-emitting agent is used in the leak detection agent 70, the location where the odor is emitted can be identified as the refrigerant leak location. If a foam-forming agent is used in the leak detection agent 70, the location where the foam is leaking can be identified as the refrigerant leak location.

[0065] [Effects of the leak detection agent dispenser 20 and the air conditioning system 100] As described above, the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 of Embodiment 1 is used in connection with a refrigerant circuit A through which refrigerant circulates, and is a leak detection agent dispensing device that seals a leak detection agent 70 inside the refrigerant circuit A. The leak detection agent dispensing device 20 comprises a container 30 in which the leak detection agent 70 is stored, a connecting pipe 41 that connects the container 30 to the refrigerant circuit A, and a valve device 50 provided at the connection portion between the container 30 and the connecting pipe 41. The valve device 50 has a container connection portion 52 to which the container 30 is connected, a pipe connection portion 53 to which the connecting pipe 41 is connected, and a filling connection portion 54 to which a tank 60 containing the leak detection agent 70 is connected. The device comprises a main body 51 having a first flow path 55 connecting a container connection part 52 and a filling connection part 54, and a second flow path 56 that branches off from the first flow path 55 and communicates with a piping connection part 53, and a valve body 57 that is movably provided on the main body 51 and can be switched between a closed position that blocks the flow of the leak detection agent 70 in the second flow path 56 and an open position that allows the flow of the leak detection agent 70 in the second flow path 56.

[0066] With the above configuration, when the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 is filling the container 30 with the leak detection agent 70 from the tank 60, the valve body 57 is in the closed position, allowing the leak detection agent 70 to be dispensed from the tank 60 to the container 30 via the first flow path 55. Furthermore, when the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 is dispensing the leak detection agent 70 directly into the refrigerant circuit A from the tank 60 without going through the container 30, the valve body 57 is in the open position, allowing the leak detection agent 70 to be dispensed from the tank 60 to the refrigerant circuit A via the first flow path 55 and the second flow path 56. Thus, the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 is capable of both filling the container 30 with the leak detection agent 70 and dispensing the leak detection agent 70 directly into the refrigerant circuit A without going through the container 30.

[0067] The container 30 has a first part 31a that extends vertically when in use, and the first part 31a is located above the container connection part 52.

[0068] With the above configuration, the leak detection agent dispenser 20 can dispense the leak detection agent 70 filled inside the container 30 into the refrigerant circuit A by its own weight.

[0069] The valve body 57 is provided with a communication hole 57b that penetrates the valve body 57, and when the valve body 57 is in the closed position, the communication hole 57b forms part of the first flow path 55, connecting the container connection part 52 and the filling connection part 54.

[0070] With the above configuration, the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 can fill the container 30 with the leak detection agent 70 from the tank 60 via the first flow path 55, as the valve body 57 is in the closed position, blocking the second flow path 56 while allowing flow through the first flow path 55 via the communication hole 57b.

[0071] In the air conditioning system 100, the leak detection agent injection device 20 is connected to the refrigerant piping 10 between the condenser 3 and the evaporator 8.

[0072] With the above configuration, the air conditioning system 100 can introduce the leak detection agent 70 into the area where the liquid refrigerant flows. Because the air conditioning system 100 can introduce the leak detection agent 70 into the area where the liquid refrigerant flows, the leak detection agent 70 mixes with the liquid refrigerant and refrigerant oil as it flows. As a result, the time it takes for the concentration of the leak detection agent 70 in the refrigerant circuit A to stabilize can be shortened compared to a configuration in which the leak detection agent is introduced into the area where the gaseous refrigerant flows.

[0073] Furthermore, the fluorescent agent used as the leak detection agent 70 has the property of precipitating and solidifying at low temperatures. If it flows through the refrigerant circuit A while solidified, there is a concern that it could lead to compressor failure. The air conditioning system 100 can suppress the solidification of the leak detection agent 70 by allowing it to be introduced into the area where the liquid refrigerant flows, thereby improving safety.

[0074] Embodiment 2. Figure 12 shows the equivalent circuit when the leak detection agent dispenser 20A according to Embodiment 2 is connected to the refrigerant piping 10. In Figure 12, the density of the dots inside the container 30 represents the internal pressure of the container 30, with denser dots indicating higher pressure. The internal pressure of the container 30 is higher than that shown in Figure 7 in Embodiment 1. The following description will focus on the differences between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1, and configurations not described in Embodiment 2 are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0075] [Configuration of Leak Detection Agent Dispensing Device 20A] The leak detection agent dispensing device 20A has a container 30 filled with leak detection agent 70 and refrigerant, and the internal pressure of the container 30 is higher than a preset first set pressure. The container 30 is filled with leak detection agent 70 while the internal pressure of the container 30 is higher than the first set pressure.

[0076] The first set pressure is set to a pressure higher than the internal pressure at the installation location of the leak detection agent dispenser 20A, specifically the internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10 at the installation location of the connection port 15. In other words, the leak detection agent dispenser 20A has the relationship: internal pressure of container 30 > internal pressure of refrigerant piping 10 at the installation location of connection port 15. The internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10 at the installation location of connection port 15 corresponds to the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant piping 10, and therefore changes depending on the operating conditions. For this reason, the first set pressure is set to a pressure higher than, for example, the highest pressure that can be taken in the refrigerant piping 10 at the installation location of connection port 15 during operation. Note that the first set pressure is not limited to a pressure higher than the highest pressure that can be taken in the refrigerant piping 10 at the installation location of connection port 15 during operation; it is sufficient if it is higher than the lowest pressure that can be taken at the installation location of connection port 15 during operation.

[0077] In Embodiment 1, the leak detection agent dispenser 20 had a pressure inside the container 30 that was atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, in Embodiment 2, the leak detection agent dispenser 20A had a pressure inside the container 30 that was higher than atmospheric pressure. In other words, the relationship was: internal pressure of container 30 > internal pressure of refrigerant piping 10 at the installation location of connection port 15 > atmospheric pressure.

[0078] [Injection of leak detection agent 70 from leak detection agent dispenser 20A into refrigerant piping 10: due to weight and pressure difference] In the leak detection agent dispensing device 20A, the internal pressure of the container 30 is higher than the internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10. Therefore, when the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 is opened, the leak detection agent 70 inside the container 30 is dispensed into the refrigerant piping 10 due to its own weight and pressure difference.

[0079] The leak detection agent dispensing device 20A dispenses the leak detection agent 70 from container 30 into the refrigerant piping 10 using both its own weight and the pressure difference, thus enabling the leak detection agent 70 to be dispensed into the refrigerant piping 10 in a short amount of time.

[0080] [Effects of the leak detection agent dispenser 20A and the air conditioning system 100] The leak detection agent dispensing device 20A and air conditioning system 100 of Embodiment 2 provide the same effects as Embodiment 1, as well as the following additional effects. The leak detection agent dispensing device 20A and air conditioning system 100 of Embodiment 2 can dispense the leak detection agent 70 from the container 30 into the refrigerant piping 10 by the weight of the leak detection agent 70 and the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the container 30 and the internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10. Therefore, the leak detection agent dispensing device 20A and air conditioning system 100 of Embodiment 2 can dispense the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant piping 10 in a short amount of time.

[0081] Embodiment 3. Figure 13 shows the equivalent circuit when the leak detection agent dispenser 20B according to Embodiment 3 is connected to the refrigerant piping 10. In Figure 13, the density of the dots inside the container 30 represents the internal pressure of the container 30, with denser dots indicating higher pressure. The internal pressure of the container 30 is lower than that shown in Figure 7 in Embodiment 1. The following description will focus on the differences between Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 1, and configurations not described in Embodiment 3 are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0082] [Configuration of Leak Detection Agent Dispensing Device 20B] In the leak detection agent dispensing device 20B, the container 30 is filled with the leak detection agent 70, and the internal pressure of the container 30 is lower than the second set pressure, and lower than the internal pressure of the container 30 shown in Figure 7 in Embodiment 1. The container 30 is filled with the leak detection agent 70 while the internal pressure of the container 30 is lower than the second set pressure. The container 30 is first subjected to a vacuum pressure by evacuating from the filling connection part 54, and then the leak detection agent 70 is filled using the method described in Embodiment 1, so that the internal pressure of the container 30 is lower than the second set pressure when the leak detection agent 70 is filled.

[0083] The second set pressure is set to a pressure lower than the internal pressure at the installation location of the leak detection agent dispenser 20B, specifically the internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10 at the installation location of the connection port 15. In other words, the leak detection agent dispenser 20B has the relationship: internal pressure of container 30 < internal pressure of refrigerant piping 10 at the installation location of connection port 15. The internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10 at the installation location of connection port 15 corresponds to the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant piping 10, and therefore changes depending on the operating conditions. For this reason, the second set pressure is set to, for example, the lowest pressure that can be taken at the installation location of connection port 15 during operation.

[0084] Furthermore, the second set pressure is not limited to the lowest pressure that can be achieved at the installation location of the connection port 15 during operation, but is sufficient if it is lower than the highest pressure that can be achieved at the installation location of the connection port 15 during operation. The second set pressure is, for example, a vacuum pressure. Here, it is assumed that the leak detection agent 70 is filled inside the container 30 under vacuum conditions.

[0085] [Injection of leak detection agent 70 from leak detection agent dispenser 20B into refrigerant piping 10: pressure difference] In the leak detection agent dispensing device 20B, the leak detection agent 70 is filled inside the container 30 under vacuum, and the internal pressure of the container 30 is lower than the internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10. Therefore, when the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 is opened, as shown in Figure 13(a), the refrigerant in the refrigerant piping 10 flows into the container 30 due to the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the container 30 and the internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10. As a result, the refrigerant mixes with the leak detection agent 70 inside the container 30. After a certain period of time has elapsed, the internal pressure of the container 30 and the internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10 become equal, and as shown in Figure 13(b), the leak detection agent 70 inside the container 30, mixed with the refrigerant, is dispensed into the refrigerant piping 10.

[0086] [Effects of the leak detection agent dispenser 20A and the air conditioning system 100] The leak detection agent dispenser 20B and air conditioning system 100 of Embodiment 3 provide the same effects as those of Embodiment 1.

[0087] Embodiment 4. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20C according to Embodiment 4. Figure 15 is a diagram showing the equivalent circuit when the leak detection agent dispensing device 20C of Figure 14 is connected to the refrigerant piping 10. The leak detection agent dispensing device 20C of Embodiment 4 differs from the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 of Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the connection part 40 of the valve device 50. The following description will focus on the differences between Embodiment 4 and Embodiment 1, and configurations not described in Embodiment 4 are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0088] [Configuration of Leak Detection Agent Dispensing Device 20C] The leak detection agent dispensing device 20C has a bypass pipe 43 at the connection part 40 of the valve device 50. One end 43a of the bypass pipe 43 is fixed to the connecting pipe 41, and the inside of the bypass pipe 43 and the inside of the connecting pipe 41 are in communication. The diameter of the bypass pipe 43 may be the same as or different from the diameter of the connecting pipe 41. The other end 43b of the bypass pipe 43 is provided with a nut 44 for connecting the other end 43b of the bypass pipe 43 to the refrigerant pipe 10. The structure of the other end 43b of the bypass pipe 43 and the structure of the nut 44 are the same as the structure of the lower end 40a and nut 42 of the connecting pipe 41.

[0089] The leak detection agent dispenser 20C with the above configuration is connected to the connection port 15 of the refrigerant piping 10 at two points: the nut 42 of the connecting pipe 41 and the nut 44 of the bypass pipe 43. The connection port 15 naturally has two ports so that the leak detection agent dispenser 20C can be connected at two points. The leak detection agent dispenser 20C is connected to the refrigerant piping 10 so that the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant piping 10 is received from the other end 43b of the bypass pipe 43 and flows out from the one end 43a.

[0090] [Injection of leak detection agent from leak detection agent dispenser 20C into refrigerant circuit A: by gravity and by suction] The leak detection agent dispenser 20C with the above configuration is connected to the refrigerant piping 10, causing the refrigerant to flow through the bypass piping 43 as indicated by the arrows in Figure 15. Specifically, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant piping 10 flows into the bypass piping 43 from the other end 43b, flows out from the one end 43a through the bypass piping 43, and then returns to the refrigerant piping 10 via the connecting piping 41. When the valve body 57 is opened, the leak detection agent 70 inside the container 30 is dispensed into the refrigerant piping 10 by its own weight and by the refrigerant flowing from the bypass piping 43 into the connecting piping 41 and towards the refrigerant piping 10.

[0091] [Effects of the leak detection agent dispenser 20C and the air conditioning system 100] The leak detection agent dispenser 20C and air conditioning system 100 of Embodiment 4 provide the same effects as Embodiment 1, as well as the following additional effects. In Embodiment 4, the leak detection agent dispenser 20C and air conditioning system 100 dispense the leak detection agent 70 inside the container 30 into the refrigerant piping 10 by its own weight in addition to the refrigerant flowing through the bypass piping 43. Therefore, the leak detection agent dispenser 20C and air conditioning system 100 can dispense the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant piping 10 in a shorter time compared to a configuration in which the leak detection agent 70 inside the container 30 is dispensed into the refrigerant circuit A by its own weight alone. Furthermore, unlike Embodiments 2 and 3, the leak detection agent dispenser 20C and air conditioning system 100 of Embodiment 4 do not require a pressure difference between the internal pressure of the container 30 and the internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10.

[0092] Embodiment 5. Figure 16 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the air conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 5. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20D according to Embodiment 5. Figure 18 is a diagram showing the equivalent circuit of the operation of dispensing the leak detection agent 70 from the leak detection agent dispensing device 20D of Figure 17 to the refrigerant circuit A. The leak detection agent dispensing device 20D differs from the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 of Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the container 30. Hereinafter, Embodiment 5 will be described mainly in terms of the differences between Embodiment 5 and Embodiment 1, and configurations not described in Embodiment 5 are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0093] [Configuration of the leak detection agent dispenser 20D] The leak detection agent dispensing device 20D has a container 30 which consists of a cylindrical portion 31 and a lid 32. The cylindrical portion 31 is made of copper piping with open ends. Note that the cylindrical portion 31 is not limited to copper, but may be made of resin or other materials. The upper end of the cylindrical portion 31, which is the end opposite to the side connected to the container connection portion 52 of the valve device 50, is open upwards, and the lid 32 is detachably attached to the opening. The lid 32 is removed when performing the vacuuming described below, when filling the container 30 with leak detection agent 70, and when replacing the leak detection agent 70 inside the container 30.

[0094] [Injection of leak detection agent from leak detection agent dispenser 20 into refrigerant circuit A: Vacuuming] During the installation of the air conditioning system 100, a vacuum is evacuated to release the air from the refrigerant circuit A to the outside. This vacuuming is performed to prevent compressor 1 from failing due to air entering the refrigerant circuit A. The leak detection agent injection device 20D can simultaneously inject the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant piping 10 during the vacuuming process.

[0095] For details, when performing vacuuming, the vacuum pump 18 is connected to the suction port 13 or the discharge port 14, as shown in Figure 16. The illustrated example shows the vacuum pump 18 connected to the suction port 13. The suction port 13 and the discharge port 14 are normally closed, and the ports open when the vacuum pump 18 is connected via a hose (not shown) and a gauge manifold (not shown), etc.

[0096] Then, when vacuuming is performed, the lid 32 of the container 30 is removed, as shown in Figure 18. With the lid 32 removed, the liquid level 70a of the leak detection agent 70 inside the container 30 is exposed, and the liquid level 70a of the leak detection agent 70 is subjected to atmospheric pressure. Then, the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 is opened.

[0097] In this state, when the vacuum pump 18 is activated and vacuuming begins, the leak detection agent 70 in the container 30 is drawn into the refrigerant piping 10 by its own weight and vacuum pressure.

[0098] [Effects of the leak detection agent dispenser 20D and the air conditioning system 100] The leak detection agent dispenser 20D and air conditioning system 100 of Embodiment 5 provide the same effects as Embodiment 1, as well as the following effects. The leak detection agent dispenser 20D and air conditioning system 100 of Embodiment 5 dispense the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant piping 10 simultaneously with vacuuming, thereby discharging air while discharging the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant piping 10. In other words, the leak detection agent dispenser 20D and air conditioning system 100 can smoothly dispense the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant piping 10 while preventing air from remaining in the refrigerant circuit A.

[0099] [Modifications common to each embodiment] Figure 19 is a front view showing a modified example of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20E according to each embodiment. Figure 20 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20E according to each embodiment. Figure 21 is a front view showing a modified example of the container 30 of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20E according to each embodiment.

[0100] Although the container 30 shown in Figure 1, etc., was L-shaped, the shape of the container 30 may also be a straight line extending vertically, as shown in Figures 19 and 20. When the container 30 is a straight line extending vertically, it is essentially in a vertical position. Therefore, the modified leak detection agent dispensing device 20E has the effect of allowing the leak detection agent 70 inside the container 30 to flow in easily due to its own weight.

[0101] As shown in Figures 21(a) and 21(b), the length of the container 30 is arbitrary, and as shown in Figure 21(c), the outer and inner diameters of the container 30 are also arbitrary. The material of the container 30 is not particularly limited, but if the container 30 is made of copper as described above, it is easy to manufacture a wide variety of containers 30 as shown in Figure 21, and the amount of leak detection agent to be sealed inside can be freely set.

[0102] Furthermore, the valve device 50 shown in Figure 1, etc., opens and closes the second passage 56 by the movement of the valve body 57 in the vertical direction. In the modified leak detection agent dispenser 20E, although detailed illustrations are omitted, the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 opens and closes the second passage 56 by moving in the horizontal direction. Thus, the valve body 57 may also open and close the second passage 56 by moving in the horizontal direction.

[0103] In the embodiments 1 to 5 described above, the refrigeration device was described as an air conditioning device, but the refrigeration device may also be a cooling device that cools a refrigerated warehouse or the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1 Compressor, 2 Oil separator, 3 Condenser, 4 Liquid receiver, 5 Subcooling heat exchanger, 5a Pressure reducing device, 5b Injection piping, 6 Dryer, 7 Pressure reducing device, 8 Evaporator, 9 Accumulator, 10 Refrigerant piping, 11 Liquid extension piping, 12 Gas extension piping, 13 Intake port, 14 Discharge port, 15 Connection port, 18 Vacuum pump, 20 Leak detection agent dispenser, 20A Leak detection agent dispenser, 20B Leak detection agent dispenser, 20C Leak detection agent dispenser, 20D Leak detection agent dispenser, 20E Leak detection agent dispenser, 30 Container, 31 Cylindrical part, 31a Part 1, 31b Part 2, 32 Lid, 40 Connection part, 40a Lower end, 40aa Protruding part, 40b Upper end, 41 Connecting piping, 42 Nut, 43 Bypass piping, 43a one end, 43b other end, 44 nut, 50 valve device, 51 main body, 52 container connection, 53 piping connection, 54 filling connection, 54a filling port, 54b operating valve, 55 first flow path, 56 second flow path, 57 valve body, 57a outer surface, 57b communication hole, 60 tank, 70 leak detection agent, 70a liquid level, 100 air conditioning unit, 200 outdoor unit, 200A outdoor unit, 201 compression unit, 300 indoor unit, A refrigerant circuit.

Claims

1. A leak detection agent injection device that is connected to a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates, and which introduces a leak detection agent into the refrigerant circuit, A container in which the leak detection agent is stored, The container is connected to the refrigerant circuit by connecting piping, The container and the connecting pipe are provided with a valve device at the connection point, The valve device is The main body has a container connection section to which the container is connected, a pipe connection section to which the connecting pipe is connected, and a filling connection section to which a tank storing the leak detection agent is connected, and a first flow path connecting the container connection section and the filling connection section is formed therein, and a second flow path branching off from the middle of the first flow path and communicating with the pipe connection section, A leak detection agent dispensing device comprising a valve body movably mounted on the main body, the valve body being switchable between a closed position that blocks the flow of the leak detection agent in the second flow path and an open position that allows the flow of the leak detection agent in the second flow path.

2. The leak detection agent dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the container has a first portion that extends vertically in the orientation when in use, and the first portion is located above the container connection portion.

3. The valve body is provided with a communication hole that penetrates the valve body. The leak detection agent dispensing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the valve body is in the closed position, the communication hole forms part of the first flow path, connecting the container connection part and the filling connection part.

4. The leak detection agent dispensing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the container is filled with the leak detection agent while the internal pressure of the container is lower than a preset second set pressure.

5. The leak detection agent dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein the container is filled with the leak detection agent under a vacuum.

6. A leak detection agent dispensing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a bypass pipe having one end fixed to the connecting pipe and the other end connected to the refrigerant pipe of the refrigerant circuit.

7. The leak detection agent dispensing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the container has an end opposite to the side connected to the container connection portion, and the end is open and facing upward.

8. The leak detection agent dispensing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the container is made of copper.

9. A leak detection agent dispensing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, A refrigeration system comprising a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing device, and an evaporator, all connected by refrigerant piping in a refrigerant circuit.

10. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the leak detection agent dispensing device is connected to the refrigerant piping between the condenser and the evaporator.

11. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the container of the leak detection agent dispensing device is connected to the refrigerant piping such that it is located above the connection portion between the connecting pipe of the leak detection agent dispensing device and the refrigerant piping.

12. A method for sealing a leak detection agent in a refrigeration apparatus according to claim 9, A method for sealing a leak detection agent, wherein the valve body of the valve device is positioned in the open position, thereby opening the second flow path, and the leak detection agent is sealed into the refrigerant circuit via the second flow path from the leak detection agent injection device.

13. A method for sealing a leak detection agent in a refrigeration apparatus according to claim 9, The container has an end opposite to the side connected to the container connection part, and this end is open and facing upward, and a removable lid is attached to the opening at the end. A vacuum pump is connected to a port provided in the refrigerant circuit. A method for sealing a leak detection agent, wherein the lid is removed and the refrigerant circuit is evacuated using the vacuum pump, thereby sealing the leak detection agent into the refrigerant circuit from the leak detection agent dispensing device.

14. The refrigeration apparatus is provided according to claim 9, An air conditioning system in which at least one of the condenser and the evaporator is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and air.

15. A leak detection agent injection device that is connected to a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates, and which introduces a leak detection agent into the refrigerant circuit, A container in which the leak detection agent is stored, A first flow path connecting the container and the tank storing the leak detection agent, A second flow path branches off from the first flow path midway and communicates with a connecting pipe connected to the refrigerant circuit, A first valve that opens and closes the second flow path, A leak detection agent dispensing device comprising: a second valve that opens and closes the flow path between the branching point to the second flow path and the tank in the first flow path.

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